A healthy birth for the 5G hospital

On a recent visit to Finland’s Oulu University Hospital, I was impressed that the nurses and doctors had abandoned paper files and were recording patient data on mobile devices. It was obviously much easier and more efficient for them than lugging large patient files around.

And yet, this is still only the beginning – more new digital services are on their way. The very same hospital is now acting as a test lab for the healthcare industry to trial and test new devices and equipment. The Oulu hospital aims to become the world’s first ‘5G hospital’ – and our experts are here to make it happen.

Using small and big data

“The true benefits of digitization come through the use of data – the big rewards are achieved when the processes and operational models of the whole society are re-designed according to the needs of the customer, or patient in this case”, says Nokia expert Timo Ali-Vehmas, who is investigating the new opportunities that arise when such private, personally identified data (little data) is combined with big data to enable the health sector revolution – doctors making faster, more reliable diagnoses with the help of data analysis to discover anomalies in a person’s health.

From a very personal perspective, if my own rare form of cancer had been diagnosed within a few weeks or months, I would have had a much better experience and avoided a long recovery period. With the help of 5G and data analytics diagnosis could have been made faster. And with remote medical support, I perhaps could have stayed at home with instant monitoring and adjustments to medication instead of 6 weeks of solitude in a hospital room.

Emerging new digital ecosystems

As a part of the project, our experts are looking into new ways of working together, enabling sustainable ecosystems where data can be used to create information and knowledge. Of course, the main aim is to serve the people but also to do it in such a way that all parties participating – application and device developers, regulators, health professionals,
infrastructure vendors and 5G operators – can access
the data they need. Another priority is to ensure that
this valuable personal data is handled securely.

Building a health sector revolution on 5G

Already, many connected health applications can be done with existing technologies. Yet 5G technology will support applications requiring critical availability and low latency, bringing the required robustness to networks. One of the study items is providing 5G connectivity to ambulance services, ensuring the best possible patient care outside and inside hospital – connectivity must be ~100%.

5G will enable a far-reaching revolution in the health sector, from remote diagnosis and surgery to constant, comprehensive, reliable and predictive health monitoring, even outside hospitals.

Turning 5G concepts into real business

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About the author

Riitta Siira

Riitta is responsible for Nokia's 5G Services and strategic projects. She’s fascinated by the 5G world of opportunities and wants a front row seat when the first use cases are live. Her multiple devices and apps keep her connected with family and friends, and she loves to express herself through her blogs. Tweet me @RiittaSiira with #ExpertAdvantage